Multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC

ABSTRACT

A novel solution is presented in which a MAC (Medium Access Controller) is implemented that includes multiple functionality types. This MAC may include functionality supporting communication according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) related standards and also to one or more of the standards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 PAN (Personal Area Network) working group. By providing this dual functionality of a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC, a communication device may adaptively change the manner in which it communicates with other communication devices. For example, in an effort to maximize throughput and overall efficiency of communication within a communication system, certain of the various devices may change from using the WLAN related standards to using the PAN related standards, and vice versa, based on any one or more of a variety of operational parameters including system configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS/PATENT APPLICATIONS ContinuationPriority Claim, 35 U.S.C. §120

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to the following U.S. Utility PatentApplication which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Applicationfor all purposes:

1. U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 13/484,376, entitled“MULTI-MODE WLAN/PAN MAC,” filed May 31, 2012, pending, and scheduled tobe issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,451,816 on May 28, 2013 (as indicated in anISSUE NOTIFICATION mailed on May 8, 2013), which claims prioritypursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, as a continuation, to the following U.S.Utility Patent Application which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. UtilityPatent Application for all purposes:

2. U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/930,504, entitled“Multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC,” filed Aug. 31, 2004, now issued as U.S. Pat.No. 8,208,449 on Jun. 26, 2012, which claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. §119(e) to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andmade part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for allpurposes:

-   -   a. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/534,731,        entitled “Multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC,” filed Jan. 5, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to communication systems; and, moreparticularly, it relates to management and allocation of the availablecommunication resources and functionality within communication systems.

Description of Related Art

Data communication systems have been under continual development formany years. In recent years, WPANs (Wireless Personal Area Networks)have been under increasing development. A WPAN may be viewed as anetwork that is established when two or more devices connect to supportcommunication of data between themselves in an area having a radius ofup to approximately 10 meters. Typically, earlier implementations ofWPANs include a central PNC (piconet coordinator) or a “master” thatgoverns the communication of all of the other communication deviceswithin the WPAN. Although some more recent designs of WPANs focus moreparticularly distributed control of the network management andcommunication between the various devices therein. Also, any of thecommunication devices within such a WPAN is typically capable ofoperating as the PNC.

As is known, the Bluetooth® communication standard is the first such PAN(Personal Area Network) communication standard that has been developed.In accordance with the Bluetooth® communication standard, thecommunication between the various devices in such a WPAN is strictlyperformed using an M/S (Master/Slave) configuration. Each of the deviceswithin such a Bluetooth® WPAN is M/S capable. Typically one of thedevices or a first device within the Bluetooth® WPAN, transmits a beaconsignal (or an access invitation signal) while operating as the “master”device of the Bluetooth® WPAN to the other “slave” devices of theBluetooth® WPAN. In other words, the “master” device of the Bluetooth®WPAN polls the other “slave” devices to get them to respond.

However, other WPANs may be implemented such that the devices do notoperate according to such an M/S (Master/Slave) type relationship.Typically, some of the communication devices within the WPAN aredesignated and operate as PNCs, and some of the communication devicesare designated and operate as DEVs. The PNCs operate to coordinate thecommunication between themselves and the DEVs within the WPAN.Sometimes, such a PNC may be implemented to operate as a master withrespect to the 1 or more DEVs that operate as slaves, but this need notbe the case in all instances—the strict M/S relationship is typicallythe case only in a Bluetooth® WPAN.

In even some other instances, two or more Bluetooth® piconets operatecooperatively such that they communicate via the masters of the two ormore corresponding Bluetooth® piconets. For example, in a scatternet, asingle DEV may interact with two or more masters. This implementationwill allow various devices within different piconets that are locatedrelatively far from one another to communicate with one another via themasters of their corresponding piconets. However, within a scatternetimplementation, a problem may arise such that each of the individualpiconets must be able to operate in relative close proximity with otherpiconets without interfering with one another. This inherently requiresa great deal of synchronization between the piconets, which may be verydifficult to achieve in some instances. It is also noted thatindependently operating piconets, not implemented within a scatternetimplementation, may also suffer from deleterious effects of interferencewith other piconets located within relative close proximity.

Some PAN communication standards and recommended practices have beendeveloped (and some are still being developed) by the IEEE (Institute ofElectrical & Electronics Engineers) 802.15 working group. Thesestandards and recommended practices may generally be referred to asbeing provided under the umbrella of the IEEE 802.15 working group.Perhaps the most common standard is the IEEE 802.15.1 standard whichadopts the core of Bluetooth® specification and which generally cansupport an operational rate of 1 Mbps (Mega-bits per second).

The IEEE 802.15.2 recommended practice specification has been developedprimarily in an effort to support the co-existence of the IEEE 802.15.1Bluetooth® core with IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g WLANs (Wireless LocalArea Networks). As some examples of the pertinent frequency spectra ofconcern, the IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g WLAN (Wireless Local AreaNetwork) standards both operate within the approximate 2.4 GHz frequencyrange. The IEEE 802.11a WLAN standard operates within the approximate 5GHz frequency range. This IEEE 802.15.2 recommended practicespecification has been developed to ensure that such a WLAN and aBluetooth® piconet may operate simultaneously within relatively closeproximity of one another without significant interference with oneanother.

In addition, the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard has beendeveloped in an effort to support operational rates up to approximately55 Mbps. In this IEEE 802.15.3 standard, the PNCs and DEVs do notoperate according to an M/S relationship as they do according toBluetooth®. In contradistinction, a PNC operates similarly to an AP(Access Point) and manages the various DEVs such that they areguaranteed to perform their respective communication according to theirappropriate time slots thereby ensuring proper performance and operationwithin the piconet. An extension (currently under progress) of the IEEE802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard is the IEEE 802.15.3 WPAN (WirelessPersonal Area Network) High Rate Alternative PHY Task Group 3a (TG3a).This is sometimes referred to the IEEE 802.15.3a extended high data ratePAN standard, and it can support operational rates up to 480 Mbps.

Yet another standard developed by the IEEE 802.15 working group is theIEEE 802.15.4 low data rate PAN standard that generally supports datarates within the range of approximately 10 kbps (kilo-bits per second)and 250 kbps.

Referring to the IEEE 802.11 standards, it has been under continualdevelopment in an effort to try to improve the way in which WLANsoperate. In this particular effort, there have been a number ofamendments to the IEEE 802.11 standard, initially starting with the802.11a standard, and then also including the commonly known 802.11bstandard and an even newer amendment, namely, the 802.11g standard. The802.11g standard is backward compatible with the 802.11b standard, sothat legacy devices within the WLAN can still interact with the WLAN,although 802.11g operable devices operating within an 802.11b WLANtypically employ a reduced functionality set.

There are typically two manners that are known in the art by which aWLAN may be implemented: ad hoc (shown in FIG. 1A) and infrastructure(shown in FIG. 1B).

FIG. 1A is a system diagram illustrating a prior art ad hoc WLAN(Wireless Local Area Network) communication system. Referring to FIG.1A, the ad hoc implementation employs a number of WLAN interactivedevices that are typically operable to communicate with each of theother WLAN interactive devices within the WLAN. There is oftentimes noregimented or organized structure to the network. In some instances, oneof the WLAN interactive devices is designated as a master of the networkand the other WLAN interactive devices operate as slaves with respect tothat master.

FIG. 1B is a system diagram illustrating a prior artinfrastructure/multiple AP (Access Point) WLAN communication system.Referring now to the FIG. 1B, in the infrastructure (or multiple AP)WLAN, a number of APs are employed to support communication with theWLAN interactive devices (which are sometimes referred to as STAs(wireless STAtions) in the infrastructure implementation). Thisinfrastructure architecture uses fixed network APs with which the STAscan communicate. These network APs are sometimes connected to landlines(that may be connected to one or more WANs (Wide Area Networks)) towiden the communication system's capability by bridging wireless nodesto other wired nodes. If service areas overlap, handoffs can occur. Thisinfrastructure structure may be implemented in a manner that isanalogous to the present day cellular networks around the world.

Considering the various 802.11 standards, the IEEE 802.11g standardextends the data rates for packet transmission in the 2.4 GHz(Giga-Hertz) frequency band. This is achieved by allowing packets, alsoknown as frames, of two distinct types to coexist in this band. Framesutilizing DSSS/CCK (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum with ComplementaryCode Keying) modulation have been specified for transmission in the 2.4GHz band at rates up to 11 Mbps (Mega-bits per second) as part of the802.11b standard. The 802.11a standard uses a different frame formatwith OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation totransmit at rates up to 54 Mbps (Mega-bits per second) with carrierfrequencies in the 5 GHz band. The 802.11g standard allows for such OFDMframes to coexist with DSSS/CCK frames at 2.4 GHz. However, theproperties of these two different types of frames, as well as theirprocessing at an 802.11g receiver, are very different. Also, thisportion of the frequency spectrum is unlicensed, so there are many othernon-packet signals present in this band which should be ignored by an802.11g receiver. In general, there are a variety of ways in which thecommunications may be supported under the umbrella of the IEEE 802.11standards.

In the current state of the art, the standards generated by the IEEE802.15 working group and the IEEE 802.11 standards are separate anddistinct in operation with no overlap with one another. A primary designdirective of the various communication protocols associated with thesestandards is to allow their co-existence without interacting and/orinterfering with one another. Within the prior art, those communicationsystems and devices included therein that employ any of the standardsgenerated by the IEEE 802.15 working group exclusively employ a standardgenerated by the IEEE 802.15 working group, and those communicationsystems and devices included therein that employ any of the IEEE 802.11related standards exclusively employ an IEEE 802.11 related standard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a prior art ad hoc WLAN (WirelessLocal Area Network) communication system.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a prior art infrastructure/multiple AP(Access Point) WLAN communication system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a WLAN that may beimplemented according to certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the frequencyspectrum of a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) signal when compared to some othersignal types according to certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of UWB (Ultra Wide Band)spectrum partitioning into a plurality of sub-bands according to certainaspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a piconet/PAN(Personal Area Network) (shown as a wireless communication system) thatis built according to certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of APs and STAs thatinclude functionality to support both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3communication according to certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of beacon structuresimilarities of IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 communications that may becapitalized upon in accordance with certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B are diagrams illustrating variousembodiments to implement MAC/PHY (Medium Access Controller/PHYsicalLayer) interface within communication devices to support both IEEE802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 functionality according to certain aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method forsupporting both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15 functionality within awireless communication system according to certain aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method forselecting IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15.3 communication functionalityaccording to certain aspects of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method fordynamically selecting between IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15communication functionality according to certain aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of dual beaconfunctionality supporting first and second operational modes according tocertain aspects to the invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of authentication and/orIP (Internet Protocol) layer configuration when transferring betweenfirst and second operational modes according to certain aspects to theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of PHY/MAC arrangementthat may be implemented according to certain aspects to the invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a backbone beingextended back 1 or more layers into a communication system according tocertain aspects to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments are described herein to show some of the possiblemanners in which a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC (Wireless Local AreaNetwork/Personal Area Network Medium Access Controller) may beimplemented within various communication devices in accordance with theinvention. Some general examples of the types of communication systemsin which such multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACs may be implemented are provided,but such a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC may generally be implemented withinany appropriate communication device to allow the communication deviceto support communication according to various operational modes. Twosuch operational modes that are included within this scope are thoseassociated with the IEEE 802.11 related standards and those standardsgenerated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working group.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a WLAN (Wireless LocalArea Network) that may be implemented according to certain aspects ofthe invention. The WLAN communication system may be implemented toinclude a number of devices that are all operable to communicate withone another via the WLAN. For example, the various devices that eachinclude the functionality to interface with the WLAN may include any oneor more of a laptop computer, a television, a PC (Personal Computer), apen computer (that may be viewed as being a PDA (Personal DigitalAssistant), a personal electronic planner, or some similar device invarious instances), a mobile unit (that may be viewed as being atelephone, a pager, or some other mobile WLAN operable device), and/or astationary unit (that may be viewed as a device that typically residesin a single location within the WLAN). The antennae of the various WLANinteractive devices may be integrated into the respective, correspondingdevices without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention aswell.

This illustrated group of devices that may interact with the WLAN is notintended to be an exhaustive list of device that may interact with aWLAN, and a generic device shown as a WLAN interactive device representsany generic device that includes the functionality in order tointeractive with the WLAN itself and/or the other devices that areassociated with the WLAN in accordance with one or more of the variousembodiments of the invention described herein. Any of these devices thatassociate with the WLAN may be viewed generically as being such a WLANinteractive device without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Each of the devices and the WLAN interactive device may beviewed as being located at nodes of the WLAN.

It is also noted that the WLAN itself may also include functionality toallow interfacing with other networks as well. These external networksmay generically be referred to as WANs (Wide Area Networks). Forexample, the WLAN may include an Internet I/F (interface) that allowsfor interfacing to the Internet itself. This Internet I/F may be viewedas being a base station device for the WLAN that allows any one of theWLAN interactive devices to access the Internet.

It is also noted that the WLAN may also include functionality to allowinterfacing with other networks, such as other WANs, besides simply theInternet. For example, the WLAN may include a microwave tower I/F thatallows for interfacing to a microwave tower thereby allowingcommunication with one or more microwave networks. Similar to theInternet I/F described above, the microwave tower I/F may be viewed asbeing a base station device for the WLAN that allows any one of the WLANinteractive devices to access the one or more microwave networks via themicrowave tower.

Moreover, the WLAN may include a satellite earth station I/F that allowsfor interfacing to a satellite earth station thereby allowingcommunication with one or more satellite networks. The satellite earthstation I/F may be viewed as being a base station device for the WLANthat allows any one of the WLAN interactive devices to access the one ormore satellite networks via the satellite earth station I/F.

This finite listing of various network types that may interface to theWLAN is not intended to be exhaustive. For example, any other networkmay communicatively couple to the WLAN via an appropriate I/F thatincludes the functionality for any one of the WLAN interactive devicesto access the other network.

Any one or more of the various WLAN interactive devices described withinthis embodiment may each be implemented to include a multi-mode WLAN/PANMAC that is described herein according to the invention. For example, inthis particular embodiment, the functionality of at least one of theoperational modes is associated with one or more of the IEEE 802.11related standards (e.g., including 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g). Inone embodiment, another of the operational modes supported by amulti-mode WLAN/PAN MAC that may be implemented within any one or moreof the WLAN interactive devices is operable to support communicationsaccording to one or more of the standards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3working group. By providing such a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC within thedevices of such a communication system, the various devices may switchback and forth between the various operational modes supported by themulti-mode WLAN/PAN MAC. In doing so, a greater allocation andmanagement of the available communication resources and functionalitywithin the communication system, including the individual communicationresources of the individual communication devices within thecommunication system, may be made.

As mentioned above, one of the particular embodiment in which theinvention may be implemented includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC thatsupports communication according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11related standards and also according to one or more of the standardsgenerated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working group. As such, some moreinformation is provided below regarding some ways in which a piconet/PAN(Personal Area Network) may be implemented. Such information isimportant in ensuring that such a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC is indeedoperable to support communications according to both one or more of theIEEE 802.11 related standards and also according to one or more of thestandards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working group that employ UWB(Ultra Wide Band) signals.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the frequencyspectrum of a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) signal when compared to some othersignal types according to certain aspects of the invention. UWBcommunications operate by sending pulses whose energy spreads across abroad frequency spectrum. For comparison, RF (Radio Frequency)communications typically operate by using a narrowband frequency carrierto transmit information. RF signals may be viewed as occupying arelatively narrowband range of frequency spectra. It is also noted thatthe PSD (Power Spectral Density) of a UWB signal typically does not riseabove the PSDs of other interfering signals within an available spectrumof interest.

A UWB signal is one type of a spread-spectrum signal. A spread-spectrumsignal may be viewed as a signal that occupies a frequency band that ismuch wider than the minimum bandwidth required by the informationsignal. For example, a transmitter “spreads” the energy (that istypically originally concentrated in narrowband) across a widerfrequency band. One benefit of a spread-spectrum signal is that itprovides increased immunity with respect to narrowband interference. Anarrowband signal will not fully obliterate the UWB signal because ofthe much wider bandwidth of the UWB signal. It is also important to notethat a UWB signal may also be characterized as a function of time, notfrequency.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of UWB (Ultra Wide Band)spectrum partitioning into a plurality of sub-bands according to certainaspects of the invention. Relatively recently, the FCC (FederalCommunications Commission) has defined the available spectrum for UWBcommunications as being between 3.1 GHz (Giga-Hertz) and 10.6 GHz. Inaddition, the FCC defined the minimum spectral width of any UWB signalwithin the available UWB spectrum to be 500 MHz (Mega-Hertz).

Moreover, this FCC definition allows for a PSD across the UWB spectrumof −41.25 dBm/MHz of bandwidth. As a reminder, 0 dBm is the decibel (dB)measure of power of a signal referenced to 1 mW (milli-Watt). This meansthat the total power that may be employed by a UWB signal isapproximately −14.26 dBm in any individual 500 MHz sub-band within theentire available UWB bandwidth of 7.5 GHz. In addition, if a pulse issent using the entire 7.5 GHz of available UWB bandwidth, then the totaltransmitted power of a UWB signal is approximately −2.5 dBm.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a piconet/PAN(Personal Area Network) (shown as a wireless communication system) thatis built according to certain aspects of the invention. In general, apiconet may be viewed a subset of the general type of wireless typenetwork, WPAN. This embodiment may be viewed as being a piconet typeimplementation of a WPAN. The use of the terminology piconet istypically used to characterize the smallest such wireless type networkthat falls under the WPAN umbrella. From this perspective, a piconet maybe viewed as being the network that is established when any two devicesconnect to support communication between them. The piconet may beimplemented using a number of piconet operable devices such that one ofthe piconet operable devices is designated as and operates as a PNC(piconet coordinator) and 1 or more of the other piconet operabledevices are designated as and operate as DEVs (piconet devices). In someinstances, the DEVs may communicate with one another according to a p2p(peer to peer) relationship. Alternatively, the DEVs may communicatewith one another via the PNC (where the PNC operates essentially as arelaying element).

To support communication between each of the DEVs (which may beperformed simultaneously at some times) and the PNC, the communicationmust be implemented in such a way that the communication links betweeneach DEV and the PNC will not interfere with the other communicationlinks in any other SOP (Simultaneously Operating Piconet) that islocated within a relatively close proximity to this piconet. That is tosay, when two or more piconets operate within relatively close proximityto one another, the communication within each of the respective piconetsmust be implemented in such a way that simultaneously operation of thetwo or more piconets (e.g., the coexistence and operation) may beperformed without interfering with one another.

Moreover, the piconet/WPAN shown in this embodiment, as well as withinother embodiments described herein are operable in accordance with theconstraints provided by the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standardand may also be implemented such that the piconet is operable inaccordance with other wireless communication standards as well (e.g.,including other standards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working group).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of APs and STAs thatinclude functionality to support both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3communication according to certain aspects of the invention. Thisembodiment shows how a WLAN may be implemented such that the variousdevices included therein (APs and STAs) sometimes operate according toone or more of the IEEE 802.11 related standards and sometimes operateaccording to one or more of the standards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3working group. This way, various devices within such a communicationsystem may operate according to a WLAN at a given time, and other of thedevices within the communication system may operate according to apiconet/PAN at the same given time. This may be achieved borrowing onthe functionality provided by the multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACs that areimplemented within each of the communication devices included withinthis communication system.

From one perspective, the STAs that are located within a sufficientlyclose proximity to their respective AP may upgrade the communicationsupported between them from an IEEE 802.11 related standard to a higherdate rate standard generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working group. Forexample, the communication between such STAs and AP may be upgraded fromthe IEEE 802.11b standard to the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PANstandard in one exemplary situation. By doing this upgrading of thecommunication supported between the devices to a higher data ratepiconet/PAN supported protocol, these devices may benefit from greaterthroughput and efficiency of operation. By the vary nature that the802.11 related standards are designed to ensure co-existence with thestandards generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working group, these STAs andAP may operate in such a way as to have minimal (if any) interferencewith other STAs and APs that may continue to operate according to one ofthe 802.11 related standards. Moreover, even an AP that has hadcommunication links to its respective STAs upgraded to a higher datarate communication link (e.g., from IEEE 802.11a standard to the IEEE802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard) may continue to supportcommunication with other of its respective STAs according to thenon-upgraded 802.11 related standard by which communication wasinitially supported before the upgrade of some of the communicationlinks. This determination of which STAs are within sufficiently closeproximity to their corresponding AP may be performed any number of ways.For example, this may be performed via triangulation using communicationbetween three devices within the communication system. Alternatively,each of the devices may include some position-determining functionalityincluded therein.

By whichever means the relative positions of the various devices isdetermined within the communication system, a radial distancemeasurement of approximately 10 m (10 meters) may be employed indetermining if the devices are sufficiently close as to permit theupgrading of the communication links therein from an 802.11 relatedstandard to a higher date rate standard generated by the IEEE 802.15.3working group.

A specific comparison of the improved data rates that may be achievedwhen upgrading the communications from an 802.11 related standard to ahigher date rate standard generated by the IEEE 802.15.3 working groupis made here to provide for a specific and concrete example of just oneof the beneficial aspects of the invention. Operation according to theIEEE 802.11 related standards generally can support data rates up toapproximately 54 Mbps (Mega-bits per second). While this may beperfectly acceptable for certain applications, a higher data rate isalmost always preferable. The IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standardis a standard that can provide for a much higher data rate (increased bya factor of up to approximately 18.5 over the IEEE 802.11 relatedstandards). Specifically, the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standardcan support data rates up to approximately 1 Gbps (Giga-bits per second)within radial distances of approximately less than 10 m. By ensuringthat those devices that are in fact sufficiently close to one another(e.g., less than 10 m radial distance) can in fact operate according tothe IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard and thereby support thehigher data rates approaching approximately 1 Gbps.

The relatively longer distance of the DS (Distribution Service) thatcommunicatively couples various APs within this communication system maycontinue to operate by supporting the data rates approachingapproximately 54 Mbps as supported according to one of the IEEE 802.11related standards. This relatively longer distance is substantiallylarger than the approximately less than 10 m radial distance withinwhich the devices whose communication links have been upgraded tooperate according to the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard.

It is also noted that each of the various STAs depicted herein may beimplemented to be operable to support simultaneous monitoring of both802.11 and 802.15.3 beacons within the overall communication system. Bydoing this, the switching from a first operational mode (e.g., 802.11 or802.15.3) to a second operational modes (e.g., the other of 802.11 or802.15.3) may be greatly simplified, in that, the STA already is alreadyin synchronization with each of the beacons. That is to say, when aswitch in operational modes is to be made, then the STA already is insynchronization with the beacon of the operational mode to which it willbe switching. In addition, it is noted that the monitoring of the twobeacons may be performed irrespective of whether the switching from afirst operational mode to a second operational mode is initiated by oneof the APs or by the actual STA.

Moreover, each of the STAs is also operable to communicate itsparticular capability set when associating with the AP and thereby tothe network to which the STA is associating. For example, this mayinvolve providing information corresponding to the version number,protocol options, and any other capability information corresponding tothe communication device. This capability information, that is providedduring association of the device with the communication network in itsparticular operational mode at that time, may be provided in the form ofan association state (i.e., a state that indicates these operationalcapabilities) for even greater efficiency and simplicity.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of beacon structuresimilarities of IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 communications that may becapitalized upon in accordance with certain aspects of the invention.This commonality of the beacon structure (and therefore the framingstructure) that is employed within both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3communications allows for a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC to be designed moreefficiently. For example, because each of these types of communicationsare implemented using a similar beacon structure, the various functionalportions of the multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC may be implemented usingrelatively similar functional blocks. Although each of the variousfunctional portions of the multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC do indeed need toprovide for different types of functionality, the common beaconstructure allows for some commonality in the functional portions of themulti-mode WLAN/PAN MAC thereby allowing for a much more efficientimplementation in terms of hardware and processing resources, in that, arelatively significant portion of it may be used to perform processingrequired for both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 communications.

The similarities may be better understood when looking at the locationsof the beacon signals as a function of time. The beacon signals of bothIEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 communications may be implemented suchthat the beacon signals align in time. Within IEEE 802.11communications, the time in between beacon signals in implemented in acontention manner typically according to CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense MultipleAccess/Collision Avoidance). During this time period in between thebeacon signals, the various devices within such a WLAN communicationsystem compete for the available time slots in a CSMA/CA manner.

Although a communication system employing IEEE 802.15.3 communicationsoperates differently, the similarities of the beacon structure allow forefficient implementation of a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC to support bothIEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 communications. Communications accordingto IEEE 802.15.3 communications employ a similar beacon structure toIEEE 802.11 communications, but the time in between beacon signalsincludes a number of time slots for which the various devices in such apiconet/PAN are assigned to these various time slots. Communicationwithin such a piconet/PAN, according to IEEE 802.11 communications, isoften implemented according to QoS (Quality of Service) or some otherprotocol by which this beacon structure may be supported.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B are diagrams illustrating variousembodiments to implement MAC/PHY (Medium Access Controller/PHYsicalLayer) interface within communication devices to support both IEEE802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 functionality according to certain aspects ofthe invention. As shown in the various diagrams of FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B,FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B, this MAC/PHY interfacing may be a directconnection or direct coupling between a PHY and MAC therein. In such adirect connection or direct coupling between a PHY and MAC as depictedin such diagrams, there are no components implemented between the PHYand MAC such that the interface is a direct connection or directcoupling. It is noted that wherever IEEE 802.15.3 is depicted in thisand other diagrams presented herein, IEEE 802.15.3a could alternativelybe employed in place of IEEE 802.15.3 without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention.

Any of these various MAC/PHY interfaces may be implemented within anynumber of types of communication devices. For example, thesecommunication devices may be APs and STAs as described above within thecontext of an IEEE 802.11 WLAN communication systems described above.However, other types of communication devices may also include any oneof the MAC/PHY interfaces described herein within their specificimplementation of a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC that operates according tothe invention.

Referring to FIG. 7A, this diagram shows an embodiment of a multi-modeWLAN/PAN MAC where a single circuitry having 2 PHY receiver portions(i.e., one for 802.11 and one for 802.15.3) is implemented thatinterfaces to a single MAC that has 2 separate functional blocks. Asshown in the diagram, this MAC/PHY interfacing may be a directconnection or direct coupling between the single circuitry having 2 PHYreceiver portions and the single MAC that has 2 separate functionalblocks. In such a direct connection or direct coupling as depicted inthis diagram, there are no components implemented between the singlecircuitry having 2 PHY receiver portions and the single MAC that has 2separate functional blocks. In this embodiment, and in other embodimentsemploying a PHY receiver, the PHY receiver may be viewed as being acommunication receiver, situated low in the communication protocolstack, that is communicatively coupled to a bus that ties the PHYreceiver to 1 or more higher protocol layers (such as a MAC (MediumAccess Controller) and/or higher application layers in some instances).

This single circuitry (e.g., an integrated circuit) includes functionalblocks and/or circuitry therein to support the operations of the 2separate PHY receiver portions depicted. Generally speaking, thecorresponding PHY receiver may be viewed as being a relatively dumbdevice that is operable to support communication according to eitherIEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15 (depending on which PHY receiver is beingreferred to).

Each of the functional blocks within the MAC is operable to support adifferent communication protocol. For example, one portion of the MACincludes a functional block that supports IEEE 802.11 functionality, andanother portion of the MAC includes a functional block that supportsIEEE 802.15 functionality. The single circuitry that includes the 2 PHYreceiver portions only services one of the functional block portions ofthe MAC at any given time. For example, the 802.11 PHY receiver servicesthe functional block that supports IEEE 802.11 functionality at onetime, and the 802.15 PHY receiver services the functional block thatsupports IEEE 802.15 functionality at another time.

When the communication device that includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACimplemented according to this embodiment operates according to IEEE802.11, the IEEE 802.11 PHY receiver portion within the single circuitryhaving the 2 separate PHY receiver portions and the IEEE 802.11functional block within the MAC are employed. However, when thecommunication device that includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC implementedaccording to this embodiment operates according to IEEE 802.15, the IEEE802.15 PHY receiver portion within the single circuitry having the 2separate PHY receiver portions and the IEEE 802.15 functional blockwithin the MAC are employed.

Referring to FIG. 7B, this diagram shows an embodiment of a multi-modeWLAN/PAN MAC where a single circuitry having 2 PHY receiver portions(i.e., one for 802.11 and one for 802.15.3 or 802.15.3a) is implementedthat interfaces to 2 separate MACs. As shown in the diagram, thisMAC/PHY interfacing may be a direct connection or direct couplingbetween the single circuitry having 2 PHY receiver portions and the 2separate MACs. In such a direct connection or direct coupling asdepicted in this diagram, there are no components implemented betweenthe single circuitry having 2 PHY receiver portions and the 2 separateMACs. Again, the single circuitry including the 2 PHY receivers may beviewed as being a relatively dumb device that is operable to supportcommunication according to either IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15. Each of 2MACs is operable to support a different communication protocol. Forexample, a first MAC supports IEEE 802.11 functionality, and another MACsupports IEEE 802.15 functionality. As with the embodiment describedabove, the single circuitry that includes the 2 PHY receiver portionsonly services one of the functional block portions of the MAC at anygiven time. For example, the 802.11 PHY receiver portion of the singlecircuitry that includes the 2 PHY receiver portions services the firstMAC that supports IEEE 802.11 functionality at one time. The 802.15 PHYreceiver portion of the single circuitry that includes the 2 PHYreceiver portions services the second MAC that supports IEEE 802.15functionality at another time.

When the communication device that includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACimplemented according to this embodiment operates according to IEEE802.11, the IEEE 802.11 PHY receiver portion within the single circuitryhaving the 2 separate PHY receiver portions and the IEEE 802.11 MAC areemployed. However, when the communication device that includes amulti-mode WLAN/PAN MAC implemented according to this embodimentoperates according to IEEE 802.15, the IEEE 802.15 PHY receiver portionwithin the single circuitry having the 2 separate PHY receiver portionsand the IEEE 802.15 MAC are employed.

Referring to FIG. 8A, this diagram shows an embodiment of a multi-modeWLAN/PAN MAC where 2 separate PHYs are implemented such that each PHYreceiver interfaces to a corresponding MAC. As shown in the diagram,this MAC/PHY interfacing may be a direct connection or direct couplingbetween each of the 2 separate PHYs and the 2 separate MACs,respectively, in that, each MAC/PHY interfacing is a direct connectionthere between. In such a direct connection or direct coupling asdepicted in this diagram, there are no components implemented betweeneach of the 2 separate PHYs and the 2 separate MACs, respectively. Eachof 2 PHYs is operable to support a different communication protocol, andeach of 2 MACs is also operable to support the communication protocolthat corresponds to the PHY receiver to which that particular MAC iscommunicatively coupled. For example, a first PHY receiver that supportsIEEE 802.11 functionality is communicatively coupled to a first MAC thatsupports IEEE 802.11 functionality. Similarly, a second PHY receiverthat supports IEEE 802.15 functionality is communicatively coupled to asecond MAC that supports IEEE 802.15 functionality.

When the communication device that includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACimplemented according to this embodiment operates according to IEEE802.11, the IEEE 802.11 PHY receiver and the IEEE 802.11 MAC areemployed. However, when the communication device that includes amulti-mode WLAN/PAN MAC implemented according to this embodimentoperates according to IEEE 802.15, the IEEE 802.15 PHY receiver and theIEEE 802.15 MAC are employed.

Referring to FIG. 8B, this diagram shows an embodiment of a multi-modeWLAN/PAN MAC where 2 separate PHYs are implemented such that each of thePHYs interfaces to a single MAC that has 2 separate functional blocks.As shown in the diagram, this MAC/PHY interfacing may be a directconnection or direct coupling between each of the 2 separate PHYs andthe single MAC that has 2 separate functional blocks. In such a directconnection or direct coupling as depicted in this diagram, there are nocomponents implemented between each of the 2 separate PHYs and thesingle MAC that has 2 separate functional blocks. These 2 separate PHYsmay be viewed as being relatively dumb devices that are operable tosupport communication according to IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15,respectively. Each of the functional blocks within the MAC is operableto support a different communication protocol. For example, one portionof the MAC includes a functional block that supports IEEE 802.11functionality, and another portion of the MAC includes a functionalblock that supports IEEE 802.15 functionality. Only one of the 2 PHYsservices the MAC having the 2 separate functional blocks at any giventime.

When the communication device that includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACimplemented according to this embodiment operates according to IEEE802.11, the IEEE 802.11 PHY receiver and the IEEE 802.11 functionalblock within the MAC are employed. However, when the communicationdevice that includes a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC implemented according tothis embodiment operates according to IEEE 802.15, the IEEE 802.15 PHYreceiver and the IEEE 802.15 functional block within the MAC areemployed.

These various embodiments show several of the possible embodiments bywhich the PHY receiver and MAC interface may be implemented within acommunication devices that employs a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC. Whilethese various embodiments have shown the inclusion of IEEE 802.11functionality and also IEEE 802.15 functionality, it is also noted thatother operational modes may also be included or substituted withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, athird operational mode may also be included in addition to the IEEE802.11 functionality and also the IEEE 802.15 functionality that hasbeen used in these illustrative embodiments.

It is also noted that any of the various embodiments by which theMAC/PHY interface may be implemented as described above with respect tothe FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B may also be implemented as asingle integrated circuit such that each of the functional blocksdepicted within these embodiments is a circuitry or portion of circuitrywithin the integrated circuit. More specifically, a single chip solutionmay be implemented to include each of the various functional blocksdepicted within any of these various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method forsupporting both IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3 functionality within awireless communication system according to certain aspects of theinvention. This method initially involves determining the relativelocations of 1 or more APs and 1 or more STAs that may be implementedwithin a communication system. Then, based on the relative locations ofthose 1 or more APs and 1 or more STAs, then for those 1 or more APs and1 or more STAs that are located within approximately less than a radiusof 10 m of proximity to each other, the method involves appropriatelygrouping the 1 or more APs and 1 or more STAs thereby forming 1 or moreIEEE 802.15.3 piconets/PANs. These 1 or more IEEE 802.15.3 piconets/PANsmay be viewed as being a subset of the other communication devices thatare already included an IEEE 802.11 WLAN. That is to say, some of thecommunication devices within the communication system are situated as tocommunicate with one another according to IEEE 802.11, and other of thecommunication devices within the communication system are situated as tocommunicate with one another according to IEEE 802.15.

The method then involves supporting communication between communicationdevices of the formed 1 or more IEEE 802.15.3 piconets/PANs at a firstdata rate (e.g., according to IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standardor IEEE 802.15.3a extended high data rate PAN standard). In general, thecommunication between the communication devices that have been groupedto form the 1 or more IEEE 802.15.3 piconets/PANs operate at a higherdata rate than those communication devices that have not been sogrouped. Therefore, the method also involves supporting communicationbetween the communication devices not grouped to form the IEEE 802.15.3piconets/PANs at a second data rate (e.g., according to an IEEE 802.11related standard).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method forselecting IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15 communication functionalityaccording to certain aspects of the invention. This method initiallyinvolves supporting communications between all devices of wirelesscommunication system using IEEE 802.11 data rates. Then, the methodinvolves determining the relative locations of 1 or more APs and STAswithin the wireless communication system. Then, based on the determinedrelative locations of the various 1 or more APs and STAs within thewireless communication system, then for those STAs that are found to bewithin approximately less than radius of 10 m of proximity to of itscorresponding AP, the method involves upgrading the communicationbetween those 1 or more STAs and their corresponding APs to higher datarates supported according to the IEEE 802.15 data rates (e.g., using theIEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard or IEEE 802.15.3a extendedhigh data rate PAN standard). For example, those STAs which are withinsufficiently close proximity to their respective AP, the communicationbetween those STAs and its corresponding AP may be implemented accordingto the IEEE 802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard or the IEEE 802.15.3aextended high data rate PAN standard thereby providing for a much higherdata rate, throughput, and system performance when compared to if theSTAs and APs continued to operate according to one of the IEEE 802.11related standards.

However, for those STAs which are not within such a sufficiently closeproximity to one another, the communication along those various links iscontinued to be performed according to the IEEE 802.11 data rates bywhich the communication was initially begun. For example, for those STAswhich are found not to be within approximately less than radius of 10 mof proximity to of its corresponding AP, the method involves maintainingcommunication between those 1 or more STAs and 1 or more correspondingAP using the initial IEEE 802.11 data rates.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method fordynamically selecting between IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15communication functionality according to certain aspects of theinvention. This method allows for the continued monitoring of anychanges of the relative locations of 1 or more of the STAs and APswithin a communication system and the re-assigning of any appropriatecommunication links to be supported either according to IEEE 802.11 orIEEE 802.15 communication functionality.

For example, the method initially involves determining the relativelocations of 1 or more APs and 1 or more STAs within a communicationsystem. Then, based on the relative proximity between each of the 1 ormore STAs and those STAs' corresponding APs, the method involvesassigning those communication links to be of a IEEE 802.15 typeoperational mode or IEEE 802.11 type operational mode. For example, asimilar relative location determination may be made as described withinsome of the various embodiments above (e.g., a radial distance ofapproximately less than radius of 10 m). In such an approach, those STAsand corresponding APs that are within sufficiently close proximity ofone another may be assigned to support communication according to one ofthe IEEE 802.15 working group related standards, and those STAs andcorresponding APs that are not within such sufficiently close proximitymay be assigned to support communication according to one of the IEEE802.11 related standards.

The method then involves supporting communication on the variouscommunication links within the communication system according to therespective assignments of those communication links. For example, IEEE802.15 assigned communication links operate to support 802.15 relateddata rates, and IEEE 802.11 assigned communication links operate tosupport 802.11 related data rates.

This method then involves monitoring the relative locations of thevarious communication devices within the communication system for anychanges. For example, the method may involve monitoring the relativelocations of the 1 or more STAs and 1 or more APs within thecommunication system. When any changes are in fact detected for the 1 ormore STAs and 1 or more APs within the communication system, the methodmay then involve re-assigning of the appropriate communication links tobe IEEE 802.15 type operational mode or IEEE 802.11 type operationalmode. For example, some of the communication links may be upgraded (fromIEEE 802.11 type operational mode to IEEE 802.15 type operational mode),and some of the communication links may also be downgraded (from IEEE802.15 type operational mode to IEEE 802.11 type operational mode)depending on any changes in the relative locations of the communicationdevices within the communication system. The method may then terminateat this point, or the method may continue monitoring for any changes inthe relative locations of the various communication devices within thecommunication system.

It is also noted that the various methods described here within the FIG.9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 may also be performed within the appropriatedevice and/or system embodiments described within other portions of thisspecification.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of dual beaconfunctionality supporting first and second operational modes according tocertain aspects to the invention. The various APs within thecommunication system simultaneously provide beacons for both a firstoperational mode and a second operational mode. For example, beaconscorresponding to both an IEEE 802.11 operational mode and beaconscorresponding to an IEEE 802.15.3 (or 3a) operational mode aresimultaneously provided for receipt by all of the communication deviceswithin the communication system. In some instances (as also describedbelow), the communication system is not simply a dual operational modecommunication system, but a three operational mode communication system.For example, the devices may support operational according to not onlyIEEE 802.11 and 802.15.3 (or 3a), but the communication devices may alsobe operable to support communication according to IEEE 802.16 (i.e., theIEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN™ Standard for Wireless Metropolitan AreaNetworks). In these instances, the various APs (or communication deviceseven higher back into the communication system) may be implementedsimultaneously to provide 2 beacons (for IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.3(or 3a)) as well as the appropriate MAC bridging to support IEEE 802.16.For example, beacons corresponding to an IEEE 802.11 operational mode,and beacons corresponding to an IEEE 802.15.3 (or 3a) operational modemay be simultaneously provided for receipt by all of the communicationdevices within the communication system. In addition, appropriateinterfacing may also be implemented to include IEEE 802.16 functionalityby using the MAC bridging as defined by IEEE 802 LANs. Moreover,additional interface functionality may also be defined based on the needto transfer or convey IEEE 802.16 MAC reservation, end-to-end QoS(Quality of Service), and other functions that are beyond the scope ofthe MAC bridging.

Regardless of which type of communication system the variouscommunication devices are implemented to support (be they dual mode, ortriple mode or even a higher number of operational modes), beacons areprovided that correspond to each of the operational modes. Within thisparticular diagram, the STAs are each operable to perform simultaneouslymonitoring of a first operational mode and a second operational mode(and even a third operational mode).

By doing this simultaneous broadcasting and monitoring of the beaconswithin the communication system, when a communication device is toswitch from a first operational mode to a second operational mode, thecommunication device is prepared to synchronize immediately andinterface according to the new operational mode.

Moreover, each of the STAs is also operable to communicate itscorresponding capability set to the AP when associating with thecommunication system according to first operational mode or secondoperational mode. For example, this may involve communicating theversion number, protocol options, and other information when associatingand registering with the communication system. In short, this involvesproviding information corresponding to the capability set of the devicewhen registering/associating with the communication system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of authentication and/orIP (Internet Protocol) layer configuration when transferring betweenfirst and second operational modes according to certain aspects to theinvention. With respect to authentication of a communication device(e.g., when associating with and joining the communication system),various means may be employed to ensure that the particular device infact has authorization to interact with and be a part of thecommunication system. For example, symmetric key exchange may beemployed when a communication device associates according to a firstoperational mode. This involves providing both a public key and aprivate key between a particular STA and the AP. Also, an additionalform of authentication may involve the provision of a session key. Thisis also a symmetric key that is typically used for subsequent exchangeof data between two communication devices within the communicationsystem.

In addition, when a communication device associates with thecommunication system, and when that communication device interacts withthe Internet (or analogously with some other outside WAN (Wide AreaNetwork)), an IP (Internet Protocol) layer configuration is typicallyachieved. For example, this may involve providing the appropriate 802.11address that corresponds to the AP (through which a STA has associatedwith the communication system) that communicatively couples to theInternet.

As illustrated within this diagram, when the authentication and/or IPlayer configuration has been achieved between a STA and an AP whileoperating according to a first operational mode, this authenticationand/or IP layer configuration is also transferred when the operationalmode changes from a first operational mode to a second operational mode.This may be viewed as a form of hand-shaking from a security point ofview, in that, this authentication information is being passed alongwhen the communication devices switch operational modes from a firstoperational mode to a second operational mode.

Generally speaking, it is noted that the various functionality employedwhen operating according to one operational mode is passed along whenthe communication devices switch to operate according to anotheroperational mode.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of PHY/MAC arrangementthat may be implemented according to certain aspects to the invention.This diagram shows just one of many possible arrangements by which thePHY and MAC of a multi-mode communication device may be arranged. Eachof the various functional blocks described in this diagram may beimplemented within a single integrated circuit if desired in someembodiments.

Generally speaking, a PHY receiver is communicatively coupled to a MAC.The PHY receiver may be implemented as including a common RF (RadioFrequency) front-end (i.e., a wideband circuitry portion).Alternatively, the PHY receiver may include 2 (or more, depending on howmany operational modes are to be supported) separate RF front-ends. Thiscommon RF front-end or these 2 or more RF front-ends may be implementedto perform any of the necessary filtering, gain adjustment, and/orfiltering at the PHY level. The RF front-end is communicatively coupledto a baseband processing block within the PHY receiver. This basebandprocessing block may include a common FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)engine that is operable to perform signal processing for more than oneoperational mode. The baseband processing block then communicativelycouples to the MAC, and more specifically, to a MAC/PHY interfaceconvergence layer within the MAC. The MAC may include a programmable DSP(Digital Signal Processor) (or ASIC (Application Specific IntegratedCircuit)) that is also communicatively coupled to the MAC/PHY interfaceconvergence layer. Memory and buffers as well as a hardware acceleratormay also be communicatively coupled to the programmable DSP (or ASIC)within the MAC. The hardware accelerator may be communicatively coupledto the memory and buffers. The hardware accelerator may be implementedso as to be operable to perform MAC frame processing.

This diagram shows just one possible means by which a MAC and PHYinterface may be implemented. As shown in the diagram, this MAC/PHYinterfacing may be a direct connection or direct coupling between thePHY and the MAC. In such a direct connection or direct coupling asdepicted in this diagram, there are no components implemented betweenthe PHY and the MAC. Again, a single integrated circuit may be designedso as to include each of the various functional blocks of the PHYreceiver and MAC as illustrated in this diagram.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a backbone beingextended back 1 or more layers into a communication system according tocertain aspects to the invention. Within this diagram, the backbone(that was previously shown as being a DS (Distribution Service) backbone(e.g., IEEE 802.11) is extended further back into the communicationsystem to include a fixed wireless/BWIF (Broadband Wireless Interface)backbone (e.g., IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN™ Standard for WirelessMetropolitan Area Networks).

This extension of the backbone back into the communication system mayalternatively be implemented using an unlicensed WLAN operating in theTV (television) channel bands. Such a WLAN may be viewed as being someother IEEE 802 longer range WLAN whose operational frequency range is inthe UHF/VHF TV channel frequency bands. For example, the UHF (ultra highfrequency) TV channel band between 300 MHz and 3 GHz as well as the VHF(very high frequency) TV channel band between 30 MHz (wavelength 10 m)and 300 MHz (wavelength 1 m) could be used support the operation ofWLANs operating within relatively larger areas (e.g., longer ranges)than many previous WLANs. By using the lower frequency ranges providedby these UHF and VHF TV channel bands, the transmission range of theseWLANs would be greatly extended. This could allow such unlicensed WLANsoperating in the TV channel bands (e.g., the UHF and VHF frequencybands) to compete significantly with the IEEE 802.16 WirelessMAN™Standard referenced above in terms of providing for larger regions ofwireless networking (e.g., neighborhood-scale wireless networking).

Regardless of the means by which the backbone is extended back (be itIEEE 802.16 or some other IEEE 802 longer range WLAN operating in theUHF/VHF TV channel bands), this extension of the communication systembackbone back into the overall and extended communication systemprovides for even a further degree of flexibility in design.

As one example, communication according to IEEE 802.16 may be performedup to a home (or some other area such as an office building, anapartment complex, or any other area as well), and IEEE 802.11 WLAN maybe implemented to support communication among the entire house. Then,where appropriate and possible, pockets of IEEE 802.15.3 (or 3a) may beimplemented within the entire region that is also covered by the IEEE802.11 WLAN.

As another example, communication according to some other IEEE 802longer range WLAN operating in the UHF/VHF TV channel bands mayalternatively be performed up to a home (or some other area such as anoffice building, an apartment complex, or any other area as well), andIEEE 802.11 WLAN may be implemented to support communication among theentire house. Then, where appropriate and possible, pockets of IEEE802.15.3 (or 3a) may be implemented within the entire region that isalso covered by the IEEE 802.11 WLAN.

Having the availability of multi-mode functionality as provided bymulti-mode MACs within the various communication devices within acommunication system provides a means by which the operational mode ofthe communication devices may be optimized to ensure higher performanceand greater throughput.

Generally speaking, various embodiments have been described herein toinclude the capabilities of both IEEE 802.11 and 802.15 (or all three ofIEEE 802.11, 802.15, and 802.16 in some embodiments) within a singlemulti-mode WLAN/PAN MAC. Moreover, various embodiments have beendescribed herein to include the capabilities of all three of IEEE802.11, 802.15, and some other IEEE 802 longer range WLAN operating inthe UHF/VHF TV channel bands within a single multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC.

As also described above, there are a variety of ways in which a MAC/PHYinterface may be implemented to support this multi-mode WLAN/PAN MACfunctionality. By allowing various communication links within such acommunication system to upgrade to IEEE 802.15 functionality from IEEE802.11 functionality, the various communication devices within such acommunication system can offload the bandwidth used for one operationalmode (e.g., IEEE 802.11) for use in another operational mode (e.g., IEEE802.15.3a). By providing the multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC within the variouscommunication devices within such a communication system, the overalloperation of the communication system may be performed as to ensuregreater throughput and overall efficiency.

Various aspects of the invention can be found in a communication deviceincluding a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC (Wireless Local AreaNetwork/Personal Area Network Medium Access Controller). Thecommunication device includes at least one PHY receiver and at least oneMAC (Medium Access Controller) that is communicatively coupled to thatPHY receiver. The MAC is implemented to provide for functionality of atleast two different operational modes.

This may be achieved in any of a variety of ways. Fore example, a singleMAC may be employed that has 2 distinct and separate functional blockscontained therein to support 2 different operational modes.Alternatively, 2 entirely separate MACs may be employed such that eachMAC supports one of the operational modes, and only one of the MACs isemployed at any given time.

Similarly, the PHY receiver may be implemented in a number of ways. Forexample, a single circuitry including more that one PHY receiver portionmay be employed that is operable to process received signals from othercommunication devices within whichever type of communication system thecommunication device may be implemented, and the appropriate PHYreceiver portion of the circuitry is then operable to provide theprocessed received signals to the MAC (or more than 1 MAC, depending onthe particular implementation). There are a variety of combinations inwhich this PHY to MAC interfacing within the communication device may beimplemented varying from 1 to 2 PHY receivers and from 1 to 2 MACs.However, regardless of the manner in which the PHY and MAC interface isimplemented, the MAC operates as a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC that allowsthe communication device to support operation in either one of a WLAN(Wireless Local Area Network) or a piconet/PAN (Personal Area Network).

For example, looking at some examples of various types of operationalmodes that may be supported by such a multi-mode MAC, a firstoperational mode may be implemented as an IEEE (Institute of Electrical& Electronics Engineers) 802.11 type operational mode, and a secondoperational mode may be implemented as an IEEE 802.15 type operationalmode. In such an instance, the communication device is then operable tooperate within a first communication system of a WLAN as well as asecond communication system of a piconet/PAN. The communication devicemay switch operational modes over time. For example, the communicationdevice may initially operate according to the IEEE 802.11 typeoperational mode, and then the communication device may subsequentlyoperate according to the IEEE 802.15 type operational mode. The conversemay alternatively be performed: the communication device may initiallyoperate according to the IEEE 802.15 type operational mode, and then thecommunication device may subsequently operate according to the IEEE802.11 type operational mode. It is also noted that the IEEE 802.11 typeoperational mode may correspond to any one of the IEEE 802.11a standard,the IEEE 802.11b standard, or the IEEE 802.11g standard. Similarly, theIEEE 802.15 type operational mode may correspond to any one of the IEEE802.15.3 high data rate PAN standard or the IEEE 802.15.3a extended highdata rate PAN standard.

Generally, any number of various embodiments of communication devicesthat include a multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC as described herein can operateaccording to multiple operational modes including an IEEE 802.11 typeoperational mode and an IEEE 802.15 type operational mode. By allowingvarious communication links within such a communication system toupgrade to IEEE 802.15.3 functionality from IEEE 802.11 functionality,the various communication devices within such a communication system canoffload the bandwidth used for one operational mode (e.g., IEEE 802.11)for use in another operational mode (e.g., IEEE 802.15.3). By providingthe multi-mode WLAN/PAN MAC within the various communication deviceswithin such a communication system, the overall operation of thecommunication system may be performed as to ensure greater throughputand overall efficiency. Moreover, various types of methods may beperformed to support the functionality described herein withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention

In view of the above detailed description of the invention andassociated drawings, other modifications and variations will now becomeapparent. It should also be apparent that such other modifications andvariations may be effected without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless communication device, comprising: aprocessor configured to generate a first plurality of beacons based on afirst wireless communication protocol and a second plurality of beaconsbased on a second wireless communication protocol; and a communicationinterface configured to transmit the first plurality of beacons and thesecond plurality of beacons simultaneously and aligned in time to atleast one wireless communication device such that a respective beacon ofthe first plurality of beacons is transmitted when a respective beaconof the second plurality of beacons is transmitted, wherein the firstwireless communication protocol is a piconet or an IEEE 802.15.3 PAN(Personal Area Network) communication protocol, and wherein the secondwireless communication protocol is an IEEE 802.11 wireless local areanetwork (WLAN/WiFi) communication protocol.
 2. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 1, wherein the at least one wirelesscommunication device including a laptop computer, a television, a PC(Personal Computer), a pen computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant),a personal electronic planner, a telephone, or a pager.
 3. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 1, wherein the communication interface isfurther configured to: receive first communications from the at leastone wireless communication device based on the first wirelesscommunication protocol; and receive second communications from the atleast one wireless communication device or at least one additionalwireless communication device based on the second wireless communicationprotocol.
 4. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein thecommunication interface is further configured to: receive firstcommunications from the at least one wireless communication device basedon the first wireless communication protocol that includes the at leastone wireless communication device gaining communication medium access bycarrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA); and receivesecond communications from the at least one wireless communicationdevice or at least one additional wireless communication device based onthe second wireless communication protocol that includes operation theat least one wireless communication device or the at least oneadditional wireless communication device using at least one of pluralityof assigned time slots for uplink communications to the wirelesscommunication device.
 5. The wireless communication device of claim 1,wherein the communication interface further comprises a PHY (PHYsicallayer) transceiver that includes a first PHY transceiver portionconfigured to transmit the first plurality of beacons and a second PHYtransceiver portion configured to transmit the first plurality ofbeacons; and the processor further comprises a MAC (Medium AccessController), directly coupled to the PHY transceiver at a MAC/PHYinterface, configured to generate the first plurality of beacons basedon the first wireless communication protocol and the second plurality ofbeacons based on the second wireless communication protocol.
 6. Thewireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the wirelesscommunication device and the at least one wireless communication deviceconfigured to make a symmetric key exchange to authenticate ahandshaking relationship before supporting communications based on atleast one of the first wireless communication protocol and the secondwireless communication protocol.
 7. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the communication interface is further configured tosupport communications with the at least one wireless communicationdevice or at least one additional wireless communication device based ona WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network) communication protocol. 8.The wireless communication device of claim 1, further comprising: thewireless communication device including an access point (AP); and the atleast one wireless communication device including a wireless station(STA).
 9. A wireless communication device, comprising: a processorconfigured to generate a first plurality of beacons based on a piconetor an IEEE 802.15.3 PAN (Personal Area Network) communication protocoland a second plurality of beacons based on an IEEE 802.11 wireless localarea network (WLAN/WiFi) communication protocol; and a communicationinterface configured to: transmit the first plurality of beacons and thesecond plurality of beacons simultaneously and aligned in time to afirst wireless communication device such that a respective beacon of thefirst plurality of beacons is transmitted when a respective beacon ofthe second plurality of beacons is transmitted; support firstcommunications with the first wireless communication device based on thepiconet or the IEEE 802.15.3 PAN communication protocol; and supportsecond communications with the first wireless communication device or asecond wireless communication device based on the IEEE 802.11 WLAN/WiFicommunication protocol.
 10. The wireless communication device of claim9, wherein the communication interface further comprises a PHY (PHYsicallayer) transceiver that includes a first PHY transceiver portionconfigured to transmit the first plurality of beacons and a second PHYtransceiver portion configured to transmit the first plurality ofbeacons; and the processor further comprises a MAC (Medium AccessController), directly coupled to the PHY transceiver at a MAC/PHYinterface, configured to generate the first plurality of beacons basedon the piconet or the IEEE 802.15.3 PAN communication protocol and thesecond plurality of beacons based on the IEEE 802.11 WLAN/WiFicommunication protocol.
 11. The wireless communication device of claim9, wherein the wireless communication device and at least one of thefirst wireless communication device and the second wirelesscommunication device configured to make a symmetric key exchange toauthenticate a handshaking relationship before supporting communicationsbased on at least one of the piconet or the IEEE 802.15.3 PANcommunication protocol and the IEEE 802.11 WLAN/WiFi communicationprotocol.
 12. The wireless communication device of claim 9, wherein thecommunication interface is further configured to support communicationswith the first wireless communication device, the second wirelesscommunication device, or a third wireless communication device based ona WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Network) communication protocol. 13.The wireless communication device of claim 9, further comprising: thewireless communication device including an access point (AP); and atleast one of the first wireless communication device or the secondwireless communication device including a wireless station (STA).
 14. Amethod for execution by a first wireless communication device, themethod comprising: generating a first plurality of beacons based on afirst wireless communication protocol; generating a second plurality ofbeacons based on a second wireless communication protocol; and via acommunication interface of the first wireless communication device,transmitting the first plurality of beacons and the second plurality ofbeacons simultaneously and aligned in time to a second wirelesscommunication device such that a respective beacon of the firstplurality of beacons is transmitted when a respective beacon of thesecond plurality of beacons is transmitted, wherein the first wirelesscommunication protocol is a piconet or an IEEE 802.15.3 PAN (PersonalArea Network) communication protocol, and wherein the second wirelesscommunication protocol is an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network(WLAN/WiFi) communication protocol.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinthe second wireless communication device including a laptop computer, atelevision, a PC (Personal Computer), a pen computer, a PDA (PersonalDigital Assistant), a personal electronic planner, a telephone, or apager.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising: via thecommunication interface of the first wireless communication device,receiving first communications from the first wireless communicationdevice based on the first wireless communication protocol; and via thecommunication interface of the first wireless communication device,receiving second communications from the first wireless communicationdevice or the second wireless communication device based on the secondwireless communication protocol.
 17. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising: operating the second wireless communication device to gaincommunication medium access by carrier sense multiple access/collisionavoidance (CSMA/CA); via the communication interface of the firstwireless communication device, receiving first communications from thefirst wireless communication device based on the first wirelesscommunication protocol; and via the communication interface of the firstwireless communication device, receiving second communications from thesecond wireless communication device or a third wireless communicationdevice based on the second wireless communication protocol during atleast one of plurality of assigned time slots for uplink communicationsto the first wireless communication device.
 18. The method of claim 14,wherein the communication interface further comprises a PHY (PHYsicallayer) transceiver that includes a first PHY transceiver portionconfigured to transmit the first plurality of beacons and a second PHYtransceiver portion configured to transmit the first plurality ofbeacons; and the first wireless communication device also includes a MAC(Medium Access Controller), directly coupled to the PHY transceiver at aMAC/PHY interface, configured to generate the first plurality of beaconsbased on the first wireless communication protocol and the secondplurality of beacons based on the second wireless communicationprotocol.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising: operating thecommunication interface of the first wireless communication device tosupport communications with the second wireless communication device ora third wireless communication device based on a WMAN (WirelessMetropolitan Area Network) communication protocol.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the first wireless communication device including anaccess point (AP), and wherein the second wireless communication deviceincluding a wireless station (STA).